Earlean L (Craig) Walker

Lady Earlean Lavon Craig Walker, the 3rd of the 10 children born to Persia and Lurlean Craig, was born April 26, 1953, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Earlean held education in high esteem. She began her educational journey at Garden Oaks Elementary School in Oklahoma City, OK. She attended John F. Kennedy Junior High School. Upon her graduation from Douglass High School in 1971, she attended Langston University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and the honor of Magna Cum Laude for high scholastic achievements. She was one of twenty-six initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1973 as the 26 Ethiopian Jewels. She pursued her graduate studies at Central State University, where she was two courses short of her master's degree in Accounting.

Earlean met the love of her life, Anthony, in IXL, Oklahoma, and they were joined in Holy Matrimony on May 14, 1971. Five children were born to this union: Armisha LaChelle, Aquitta LaTrice, Andrea Lavon, Anthony Lamar, Jr., and Antjuan Lamar. During this time, she began her 34-year mathematical journey in teaching at "Old" Classen High School. Earlean was respected as a mathematical genius, as she could solve any problem placed before her. She loved to teach and demonstrated that love throughout her teaching career as she was a member of the Oklahoma City Chapter of American Federation of Teachers (OCFT). She transferred to Douglass High School, where she taught math courses, including Advanced Placement (A.P.) Calculus. While at Douglass, she served as the Math Department Chairperson and Member of the Principal's Leadership Team. Earlean retired in 2007 while teaching at Star Spencer High School, where she also served as a Principal's Leadership Team member. During her semi-retirement, she shared her love of math at KIPP Reach Charter Prep in Oklahoma City. She conducted several A.C.T. Math Courses for secondary students at Churches and on behalf of various community service organizations. She received honors through the Advanced Placement Summer Math Institutes at the University of Oklahoma, College Board as an "Outstanding Math Teacher" and was selected to attend the College Board's Equity Colloquium in Houston, Texas. 

Lady Earlean gave her life to the Lord at an early age at Pleasant Hill, A.M.E, in IXL, Oklahoma. She then joined Bethel Apostolic Church in Spencer, OK. She began attending and joined Arbeka C.M.E. Church in Okemah, Oklahoma, and simultaneously joined Sykes C.M.E. Church (Associate member) upon marrying her high school sweetheart. She enjoyed serving with her husband, and their first appointment was at Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church, Chandler, Oklahoma, for eleven years. Their next appointment took them to St. John C.M.E. Church in Spencer, Oklahoma. Lady Earlean served as the Co-Chairman of the Program Committee, Missionary, mobile meals committee, and co-sponsor with the Youth Department. She loved the church, Sunday School, Bible Study, and singing in the Missionary Choir. She was also active within the Oklahoma City District and Oklahoma Region of the Christian Methodist Church, where she served as the President of the Ministers Spouse, Widows, and Widowers.

Lady Earlean was known for her contagious smile, willingness to help anyone, and serving in God's kingdom.

Lady Earlean transitioned this life on December 2, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents: Persia and Lurlean Craig; two sisters: (Betty, Jenelle), one brother (David). She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Anthony; three daughters: Armisha (Arthur) Harrison, Aquitta Walker, Andrea Walker, and two sons: Anthony Walker, Jr. and Antjuan (Janean) Walker; three brothers: Percy (Margaret) Craig Jr., Elder Elbert (Rose) Craig, Sr., and Henry Craig, Sr.; five sisters: Diane (Kenneth) Burrough, Frances Nadine Craig, Colleen Craig, Carlotta (Carl) Davis, and Carolyn  Craig, Daisy Smith; eight grandchildren: Derrion, Doriyan, Anissa, Jawuan, Devin, Anaya, Arthur Jr. (A.J.), and Ariyah; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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